J Vet Sci.  2006 Jun;7(2):203-206. 10.4142/jvs.2006.7.2.203.

Application of ventriculoperitoneal shunt as a treatment for hydrocephalus in a dog with syringomyelia and Chiari I malformation

• Kim H
• Itamoto K
• Watanabe M
• Nakaichi M
• Taura Y

• KMID: 1059210
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2006.7.2.203

Abstract

A twenty-month-old Chihuahua male dog was presented to us suffering with ataxia. Based on the physical examination, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, we diagnosed the dog with hydrocephalus, Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia. Treatment consisted of internal medical treatment and the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. The ventricular dilatation was relieved and the dog improved neurologically; however, the Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia remained after surgically positioning the VP shunt.

Keyword

Chiari I malformation; dog; hydrocephalus; syringomyelia; ventriculoperitoneal shunt

MeSH Terms

Animals
Dog Diseases/*therapy
Dogs
Hydrocephalus/diagnosis/therapy/*veterinary
Male
Syringomyelia/*veterinary
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt/*veterinary

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Lateral radiography reveals a mildly enlarged skull, an open fontanelle and a partial protrusion on the occipital bone.

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  Fig. 2 T1-weighed transverse (A) and T2-weighed sagittal (B) MRI scans, demonstrating asymmetrically enlarged lateral ventricles, slight dilation of the third ventricle, syringomyelia in the region of C2, 3, 4 (B, arrowhead) and caudal (foramen magnum) descent of the cerebellum (Chiari I malformation) (B, arrow).

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  Fig. 3 The VP shunt was placed into the left lateral ventricle (arrow) and the peritoneal cavity (arrowhead).

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  Fig. 4 T1-weighed transverse (A) and T2-weighed sagittal (B) MRI scans 4 months from the date of surgery, demonstrating the relief of dilation of ventricles but the continued presence of Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia (B).

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